Pipe racking and transfer assembly



March l0, 1970 R, BROMELL ET AL 3,499,498

PIPE RACKING AND TRANSFER ASSEMBMr L6 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed March l1, 1968 f! Illlllll'lllllllllnlllllllllllllll" l .....lmmmwmmmh INVENTOR l RAYMON J. BROMELL PAUL. E. LYNCH Www/WMZ ATTORNEY March 10, 1970 R. J. BROMELL r-:TAL

16 Sheets-Sheet 2 PAUL E. LYNCH L L m 0 R B J. D N m n on March 10, 1970 R J, BROMELL ET AL 3,499,498

PIPE RACKING AND TRANSFER ASSEMBLY 16 Sheets-Sheerl 5 Filed March 1l, 1968 INVENTOR RAYMOND J. BROMELL PAUL E. LYNCH MME/Wm! ATTORNEY March 10, 1970 R. J. BROMELL ET AL 3,499,498

PIPE RCKING AND TRANSFER ASSEMBLY 16 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed March 1l, 1968 FIG.

{NVENTOR RAYMOND J. BROMELL PAUL E. LYNCH MMM FIG.

ATTORNEY March l0, 1970 R, J, BROMELL ET AL 3,499,498

PIPE RACKING AND TRANSFER ASSEMBLY 16 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed March 11, 1968 O` .mi

' INVENTOR RAYMOND J. BROMELL PAUL E. LYNCH ATTORNEY March 10, 1970 R, J, BROMELL ET AL 3,499,498

PIPE RACKING AND TRANSFER ASSEMBLY Filed March 11, 196B 16 Sheets-Sheet l' :I 426 l `4l 434" IEE l /158 454/ M1427 152/ i i; 138 442 -ll 446 448 /436 :E: ..jJ 433/ A, `427 t 432 l: '1:1 JJ

J1 L4M-433 NVENTOR 439 'F3255' RAYMOND .1. BROMELL PAUL E. LYNCH 44, F/G. l2

` @Mb/l MM/fx ATTORNEY Mal-ch 10, 1970 R, J, BRQMELL ETAL 3,499,498

PIPE RACKING AND TRANSFER ASSEMBLY Filed March 1l, 1968 3.6 Sheets-Sheet 'l .mil

March 10, 1970 R. J. BROMELL EI'AL A PIPE RACKING AND TRANSFER ASSEMBLY 16 Sheets-Shea?l 8 Filed March 1l, 1968 u w EN Y RMV' E O L N `.M0 9R ERE O VBL H N t -ww NP 1 m ./V M lDn VON A 9*. Tr Vfl.

March 10, 1970 R, J, BRQMELL ET AL 3,499,498

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PIPE RACKING AND TRANSFER ASSEMBLY 16 Sheets-Sheet 13 Filed March 1l, 1968 LON ZOTEmOa m NN #il mmm CMMS Dwz/mju mms.;

March 10, 1970 R, J, BROMELL ET AL 3,499,498

PIPE RAOKING AND TRANSFER ASSEMBLY 16 Sheets-Sheet 14 Filed March ll, 1968 MN .mil

March 10, 1970 R. J. BROMELL ET AL 3,499,498

PIPE RACKING AND TRANSFER ASSEMBLY Filed March ll, 1968 l@ Sheets-Sheeil 15 /26 m 407 4H U 404 V REL INVENTOR RAYMOND J. BROMELL (l PAUL E. LYNCH r :512366 a a i al; n?! ,L zq( ATTORNEY March 10, 1970 R, J, BROMELL ET AL. 3,499,498#

PIPE RACKING AND`TRANSFER ASSEMBLY Filed March 11, 1968 16 Sheets-Sheet 16 INVENTOR RAYMOND J. BROMELL PAUL E. LYNCH ATTORNEY United States Patent O PIPE RACKING AND TRANSFER ASSEMBLY Raymond J. Bromell, Dallas, and Paul E. Lynch, Richardson, Tex., assignors, by mesne assignments, to Kendrick Cattle Company, Sheridan, Wyo., a corporation of Wyoming Filed Mar. 11, 1968, Ser. No. 712,164 Int. Cl. E21b 19/00 U.S. Cl. 175-85 27 Claims ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE A self-contained portable pipe racking and transfer apparatus including a pipe handling crane operable in a collapsible rail mounted to a frame telescoping from a lower position to an upper position when operating in conjunction with a portable drilling rig. The telescoping operation of the crane rail permits storage of extra sections of drill pipe in a plurality of pipe storage bins during transportation of the entire assembly. A control system automatically sequences the pipe crane operation to transport sections of drill pipe from the storage bins to the drilling rig and return pipe from the rig to the racks. Limit switches advance the automatic control system from one sequence to the next for both the in and out functions of the pipe crane such that the entire operation is completely controlled without human intervention.

RELATED APPLICATIONS United States patent application Ser. No. 712,061 also entitled Pipe Racking and Transfer Assembly and iiled on Mar. l1, 1968.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to a pipe racking and transfer apparatus, and more particularly to a portable pipe racking and transfer apparatus including a telescoping crane assembly and a completely automated control.

Recently, it has become apparent that because of the relatively high cost of conventional well drilling, a new, more versatile syste-m must be developed. As a result, there has been considerable activity in the past few years to develop a portable drilling rig that is easily transported between drilling sites using conventional tractor-trailers. Most of the well drilling rigs that have been developed to date are restricted in their use to relatively shallow Wells. Some of these rigs are so heavy and cumbersome that they require special permits to be moved over the highways of the various states between the initial location of the drilling rig and the well hole site. As a result, it is often-times very dicult and costly to move such drilling rigs between locations.

In any well drilling operation, be it by conventional rig or a portable rig, one of the most difficult problems confronting the well driller or others desiring to bore into or through the crust of the earth is the handling and storage of drill pipe during the drilling operation. For instance, assume the situation where an oil well is to be drilled several thousand feet deep into the surface crust of the earth and the drill bit is at about the two thousand foot level; it strikes a hard formation and is dulled. This necessitates removal of all two thousand feet of drill pipe to expose and replace the dulled bit. The two thousand feet of pipe, usually in about thirty-foot sections, must `be stored quickly and in such a manner that it can be easily retrieved when a replacement bit is to `be again lowered into the hole for resumption of the drilling operation.

3,499,498 Patented Mar. l0, 1970 Quick and reliable storage and retrieval of the drill pipe is thus an important aspect of any drilling operation and especially a portable rig wherein the saving of time is an important factor. Over the years a number of attempts have been made to develop pipe storage stations for portable rigs including some for submersible drilling rigs. Since the saving of time is such an important consideration in portable well drilling operations, an immediately available supply of drill pipe is a necessity as soon as the entire rig is operational. Many available pipe storage stations are constructed in a manner that requires the drill pipe to be carried on separate hauling vehicles. This was primarily the result of unavailable storage space when the unit was collapsed for transportation. Pipe storage stations of this type require additional set up time since the drill pipe must be unloaded from the hauling vehicles before it is ready to be transferred to the derrick. As a result, a considerable amount of valuable time is lost because the drill pipe was not readily available.

Another important consideration in any drilling rig operation is the number of dangerous conditions to which the drilling crew is exposed. Such danger to the well drilling crew is, of course, reflected in high insurance costs to the owner of the drilling rig which must be taken into account when determining the advantages of one system over another. When it is understood that a section of drill stem weighs as much as twenty-five hundred to three thousand lbs., it will be understood that a considerable amount of danger is inherent in the handling of such unwieldy objects. It thus becomes important to reduce to a minimum the amount of handling of the drill pipe by the crew. This is best accomplished by a completely automatic system and particularly to a completely automatic pipe storage and transfer system. i

In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a pipe storage and transfer system wherein a limited number of drill pipe sections can be stored when the system is in a collapsed condition; these sections are immediately available at a new site. In addition, the entire in and out pipe transferring operation is performed completely automatic without human intervention. The pipe storage and transfer mechanism of this invention is rugged enough to withstand the rigors of a drilling operation with a minimum of down-time for repairs. Further, the pipe storage station of this invention is easily collapsed into a package that is transportable over the highways of the various states without obtaining a special permit.

In accordance with a particular aspect of the invention, there is provided a portable pipe storage and transfer system wherein a traveling crane moves on a rail elevated to the proper position at the drilling location. The pipe storage station is a separate component of the overall drilling rig and is connected to the drilling tower only through necessary control functions. Operation of the system is completely automatic and sequenced by means of sensing elements located throughout the storage assembly. Drill pipe is retrieved and stored by means of a two-clamp hoist.

It is an object of the invention to provide a portable pipe racking and transfer system wherein a limited amount of drill pipe is stored during transportation of the rig from one drilling site to the next.

Another object of the invention is to provide a portable pipe racking and transfer system wherein sections of drill pipe are transported to the derrick by means of a traveling crane elevated at the drilling site.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide a portable pipe racking and transfer system wherein the in and out operation is carried out automatically with a minimum amount of human intervention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION A fully automated portable pipe racking and transfer system including a plurality of upstanding parallel pipe storage bins and a pipe transfer trolley crane movable transversely of said storage bins, said transfer crane having a vertically movable pipe hoist means carried by and movable with the crane for inserting pipe into and removing pipe from said storage bins. A vertically extendable and retractable rail assembly `supports said trolley above said storage bins.

A more complete understanding of the invention and its advantages will be apparent from the specification and claims and from the accompanying drawings illustrative of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIGURE 1 is an isometric view of an assembled portable well drilling rig including 'a pair of pipe rackers in accordance with this invention;

FIGURE 2 is an isometric View of a portable pipe storage and transfer system in its fully collapsed position for hauling from one well site to another;

FIGURE 3 is an isometric view of a portable pipe racking and transfer system showing the trolley crane in its fully elevated position.

FIGURE 4 is an isometric view of a pipe racking and transfer system shown fully assembled and ready for use at a drilling site;

FIGURE 5 is a side view of one of the two crane elevators of the system of FIGURE 4;

FIGURE 6 is a schematic of a hydraulic system for the trolley crane rail elevators;

FIGURE 7 is the rear view of the storage system of FIGURE 4 with the trolley crane shown at its outer limit;

FIGURE 8 is a top View of the trolley crane;

FIGURE 9 is an enlarged view of the front truck of the trolley crane of FIGURE 8;

FIGURE l0 is a side view of a two-clamp hoist;

FIGURE l1 is an enlarged View of a bin locator and pipe sensor of the hoist of FIGURE 10;

FIGURE 12 is a detail of the limit switch actuators of the bin locator and pipe sensor;

FIGURE 13 is a detailed view of the power drive for the trolley crane of FIGURE 8;

FIGURE 14 is a detailed side view of a pipe hook shown in its open position;

FIGURE 15 is a side view of the pipe Storage and transfer system of FIGURE 4 shown in its operating position moving a section of drill pipe;

FIGURE 16 is a top view, partially broken away, of one crane rail showing the location of the various limit switches for sequencing the operation of the trolley crane as it traverses the storage bins;

FIGURE 17 is a side view of the trolley crane, partially cut away, showing the location of the limit switches for controlling the operation of the hoist and pipe hook;

FIGURES 18-23 are schematic diagrams of an electrical control system for controlling the overall operation of one of the storage stations of FIGURE l in conjunction with the overall well drilling operation;

FIGURE 24 is a schematic of a hydraulic system for powering the trolley crane and the up and down movement of the hoist;

FIGURE 25 is a rear view of a portable rig having two pipe storage stations in accordance with the present invention; and

FIGURE 26 is a bar chart showing the energizing sequence of the control system.

4 DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Throughout the description the same reference numerals will be used to identify a component whenever it appears in any of the twenty-six gures.

Referring to FIGURE l, there is shown a complete drilling rig including a derrick 10 supported on a skid 11 and having two towers 12 and 13. The towers 12 and 13 are each topped with a pair of uid cylinders 14 and 16, respectively, for positioning a drill head 17. Guide tracks (not shown) built into the towers 12 and 13 provide a means for guiding the movement of the drill head 17 as it is positioned by the fluid cylinders 14 and 16. To rotate the drill string in either a clockwise or counterclockwise direction, pressurized fluid is supplied the drill head 17 through Huid motors 18 and 19. The drill string sections are assembled in a make-up chuck 21 movable between three distinct positions. The upper terminal position is occupied to hold the drill pipe when making and breaking the top joint, the center position is occupied during the lower joint makeup and breakout operation, and the lower position permits an ncoming section of drill pipe to clear the make-up chuck as it is being hoisted into position by a transfer arm 22.

The transfer arm 22 is movable by means of hydraulic cylinders (not shown) from the horizontal position, as Shown, to the vertical position or in derrick position. When in the vertical or in derrick position, the transfer arm 22 establishes the axis of the incoming drill pipe coincident with the axis of the drill head spindle and the drill string. The transfer arm 22 includes an upper clamp 23 and a lower clamp 24 adapted to clamp, hold, and transfer all the drill pipe that go into or out of the hole from either the left pipe storage station 27 or the right pipe storage station 26. The transfer arm also includes pipe guides (not shown) to properly orient a section of drill pipe.

Drill pipe taken from either the storage station 26 or 27 is transferred directly to the transfer arm 22, by means of a trolley crane included at each station, to be described, or to the pipe treating stations 28 and 29. Usually a section of drill pipe is lirst transferred to the pipe treating station prior to being transferred to the transfer arm 22. The pipe treating stations include means for performing certain pipe preparing operations 'on each section of drill pipe. For example, a pipe section may be tested for tensile strength, or the threads cleaned, or lubrication applied to the threads. In FIG- URE 1, a trolley crane 37 included with the storage station 27 is shown transferring a section of drill pipe 32 to the treating station 28. The pipe treating stations 28 and 29 are mounted on trailers which in turn are supported by means of skids 33 and 34.

Additional drill pipe sections are stored adjacent the storage station 26 on a pair of racks 36. These sections may be transferred directly to the transfer arm 22 by means of a trolley crane 31, as needed, or picked up by the trolley and stored in the station 26.

The basic operation of the system shown in FIGURE l is as follows: a drill bit is attached to the first section of drill pipe and spudded in. Simultaneously, another section of drill pipe is transferred from either the left or right storage station by means of its trolley crane to the pipe treating station wherein cleaning and lubricating operations are performed. This prepared section of drill pipe is then transported to the transfer arm 22 which raises it from 'a horizontal position to a vertical position in line with the first section of drill pipe. The pipe hoisted to a vertical position by means of the transfer arm 22' is stabbed into the drill string by means of the transfer arm guides and made up by means of the drill head 17. After the making up operation is complete, the make-up chuck 21 releases the drill string and the drill head 17 commences to rotate the drill bit through the string until the box end of the last section of pipe reaches the area of the make-up chuck.

During the drilling down operation of one piece of pipe, another is being transferred to the transfer arm 22 to be ready when needed. When the preceding section of pipe has been drilled down, the drill head 17 is disengaged and raised to its upper position rand the nextdrill pipe section raised to a vertical position. The sequence of operation is continuously repeated until the desired depth is reached or until it becomes necessary to remove the entire drill string.

To remove the drill string, the reverse procedure takes place. The entire string is hoisted by the drill head 17 until a joint between two pipe sections reaches the area of the make-up chuck 21. The transfer arrn 22 is raised to a vertical position and the transfer arm guides orient the top pipe section. At the same time, the make-up chuck 21 moves to its upper position and clamps the lower pipe section. The drill head 17 breaks the joint between the two pipe sections and the upper section is spun out to clear the lower section. Next, the transfer arm clamps secure the top section to the transfer arm 22. When the disconnected section of pipe is secured to the transfer arm 22, it is disengaged from the drill head 17 and the transfer arm lowered to its lhorizontal postion. One of the trolley cranes 31 or 37 moves into position, a hoist lifts the section of pipe from the transfer arm, and transports it to the respective storage bins. As with the drilling down operation, the removal operation continues in a smooth sequence. As the transfer arm 22 begins to move from the vertical to the horizontal position, the drill head 17 is lowered to engage the next section of drill pipe to again lift the entire drill string from the hole. Again, when this next section of pipe has been disengaged from the drill string, the transfer arm 22 is raised to the vertical position, clamped to the disconnected section of pipe, and lowered to the horizontal position. This sequence continues until the entire drill string has been removed or the desired portion removed.

This invention is related primarily to the pipe storage stations (also known as pipe rackers), one of which, station 27, is shown completely folded in FIGURE 2. The pipe storage station 27 is assembled on a tandem-axled trailer 38 pulled by `a tractor (not shown) when being transported from one site location to the next. When the trailer 38 is parked at a drilling site, a pair of trailer jacks 39, only one of which is shown, supports the trailer bed in a horizontal position. The trolley crane 37 is folded into a compact position with the pipe holding clamps 41 and 42 at one side of the trailer 38. This permits the storage of a limited number of drill pipe sections in the storage station While it is being transported from one site to the next. It is believed that the limiting factor determining the number of drill pipe sections that can be stored in the station while it is being transported Will be the allowable weight limit on the highways of the various states. Thus, the usual limiting factor determining the amount of drill pipe stored during movement of the storage station is controlled by other factors than available space. However, even a limited number of sections Stored during transportation reduces the amount of set up time required before actual drilling begins at a new site. This is in contrast to previous pipe storage systems wherein drill pipe could not be stored during transportation.

Referring to FIGURE 3, there is shown the pipe storage station 27 partially assembled. The trailer 3S is parked in the desired position and supported by the trailer jacks 39 as explained. Trailer 38 provides an elongated platform to which is mounted a front wall 43 and a rear wall 45. These walls are utilized to firm storage bins for containment of a large number of drill pipe disposed in orderly positions. Each of the walls 43 and 45 is provided with a series of separators 46 and 44, respectively. In the illustrated embodiment, these separators form vertical troughs or pockets which receive the pipe and dispose them in 6 horizontal rows extending between the two wall structures 43 and 45.

Adjacent the wall section 43 and the wall section 45 there is mounted on the trailer 38 a three-section elevator mechanism 47 and 48, respectively, for extending the trolley crane 37 to its operating position. Referring specically to the elevator 47, it includes a bottom section having side channels 49 and 51, center channels 52 and 53, and a horizontal channel 54. An elevator cylinder 56 is positioned between the channels 52 and 53 and includes a piston rod connected to the lower crossbar 57 of a center section,

The side channels 49 and 51 of the lower section provide a guide track for the side channels 58 and 59 of the center section. Channels 58 rand 59 in turn provide a guide track for the side channels 61 and 62 of an upper section. Mounted at the top of the side channels 61 and 62 is a crane rail 63.

Hinged to either side of the crane rail l63 are side rails 64 and 66. These rails are supported by diagonal braces 67 and 68, respectively. A similar assembly is provided for the elevator mechanism 48. It also includes a crane rail 69 with side rails 71 and 72 hinged thereto and in alignment therewith when in an operating condition.

Referring to FIGURE 4, there is shown the pipe storage station 27 in its fully assembled, ready to use condition. The side rails 64 and 66 have been extended to form a continuous straight rail with the sections 63. Similarly, the side rails 71 and 72 have been extended to form a continuous straight rail with the section 69. The pipe hooks 41 and 42 are shown partially lowered into the storage bins. These hooks are aixed to a grab pipe 73 and supported 'by means of flexible chains 74 and 76. A complete description of the trolley crane 37 and its operation will be given. With the pipe station assembled as shown, the trolley crane 37 is movable to the left as far as the side rails 64 and 71 will permit and to the right as far as side rails 66 and 72 will permit. This extended movement of the trolley 37 permits loading of drill pipe from outside racks into the storage bins and at the same time movement of drill pipe in and out of the storage bins directly to the transfer arm 22, as shown in FIGURE l.

Referring to FIGURE 5, there is shown schematically the elevator mechanism 47 including a lower section 77, a center section 78, and an upper section 79. The elevator cylinder 56 is shown mounted to the trailer 38 and has a piston rod 81 attached to a bracket S2. A flexible chain 83 is fastened to the lower section 77 and the upper section 79. The chain 83 engages a sprocket 84 attached to the center section 78. In operation, fluid pressure is supplied the elevator cylinder 56 causing the piston rod 81 to be extended thereby raising the center section 78 from its collapsed position (shown in dotted outline) to its extended position. Movement of the center section 78 causes the chain 83 to rotate about the sprocket 84 thus lifting the top section 79 from its collapsed position (shown in dotted outline) to its extended position. The arrangement shown in FIGURE 5 is provided at the front and rear of the trailer 38.

Referring to FIGURE 6, there is shown a hydraulic control system for extending the front and rear crane rails from their collapsed position to their extended position. A directional control valve 86 connected to a source of fluid pressure (not shown) also connects to a flow divider 87 wherein the fluid llow from the directional control valve divides equally to a front check valve 88 and a rear check valve 819. The front check valve 88 is coupled to the elevator cylinder 56 and the rear check valve 89 coupled to an elevator cylinder 91 located at the rear of the trailer 38. Fluid from the cylinders 56 and 91 is returned to the storage tank through a line 92 connected to the check valves 88 and 89 and the directional control valve 86. It is important that the cylinders 56 and 91 are supplied fluid at a rate such that the front crane rail including sections 63, 64,- and 66 andthe rear crane rail including sections 69, 71, and 72 are raised in a manner to maintain the crane 37 substantially horizontal at all times. If one set of rails is allowed to be raised much faster than the other, the trolley 37 does not engage the rails at right anglesand severe damage could result to the equipment. Thus, the flow divider 87 is employed to produce equal fluid ow to the cylinders 56 and 91. To raise the trolley 37 to its extended position, the handle 93 is actuated and to lower the trolley, the handle 94 is actuated. Handle 93 operates a valve to permit fluid flow to the divider 87 and the handle 94 opens a valve to return uid from the system to the storage tank.

Referring to FIGURE 7, there is shown a front view of the portable pipe storage and transfer system 27 in accordance with this invention wherein the trailer 38 is supported in a horizontal position by means of trailer jacks 39. The crane rail consists of a center section 63 aligned with end sections 64 and 66, all of which are attached to the top section 79 of a three frame elevator system. Angle supports 67 and 68 support the end rail sections 64 and 66, respectively, and extend from the top section 79 to the outermost point of the side rails. The top section 79 is supported in its extended position by the center section 78 and a pair of flexible chains 96 and 97 which are attached to the upper section 79 and to the lower section 77 fastened to the trailer 38. The center section 78 is raised into its extended position by means of the hydraulic elevator cylinder 56 having a piston rod 81 connected to a cross member 57.

The trolley crane 37 (shown dotted) provides a movable support for a hoist having an upper stabilizing arm 98 pivotally connected to a lower stabilizing arm 99 which is coupled to the grab pipe 73 supporting the pipe hook 41. A pair of flexible chains, only one of which, chain 74, is shown in FIGURE 7, provides a means for lowering and raising the pipe hook 41. Electrical power is' supplied to the crane 37 by means of a power line 101 and control signals by means of a control cable 102. The power line 101 and the control cable 102 are supported by a plurality of rings 103 sliding on a wire rope 104 fastened to the side rails 64 and 66.

As the crane 37 travels on the crane rail assembly, it traverses a plurality of storage bins wherein is stored a large quantity of drill pipe. Referring to FIGURE 8, there is shown in detail the construction of the crane 37 having a front truck 106, a rear truck 107, and parallel crane girders 108 and 109 joining the two trucks. The front truck 106 includes trolley wheels 111 and 112 riding on the rail section 63. Similarly, the rear truck 107 includes trolley wheels 113 and 114 riding in the rail section 69.

Referring to FIGURE 9, there is shown an enlarged view of the front truck 106 including the trolley wheels 111 and 112; trolley wheel 112 is free wheeling, that is, it is not driven. A reduction sprocket 116 is rotatably mounted to the shaft of the trolley wheel 112 and linked to a driving sprocket 118 by means of a flexible chain 119. The sprocket 118 is pinned to the shaft 121 of the trolley wheel 111 and serves to drive the wheel on the rail 63. Positive movement of the trolley crane 37 is provided for by means of a sprocket 122 formed as part of the trolley wheel 111. The sprocket 122 engages a chain 123 welded to the rail sections 63, 64 and 66 as shown in FIGURE S. In effect, the trolley wheels 111 and 112 merely support the trolley 37 while the sprocket 122, and a similar sprocket formed as part of the trolley wheel 113 of the rear truck 107, actually propels the trolley along the crane rail assembly. The rear truck 107 is substantially the same as the front truck 106.

A drive unit 124 shown in detail in FIGURE 13 powers the trolley wheels 111 and 113. A hydraulic motor 126 is coupled to a sprocket 127 through a flexible coupling 128. A floating bearing 129 supports the sprocket shaft 131.

Referring again to FIGURE 8, a flexible chain 132 engages the sprocket 127, of the drive unit 124, and a drive sprocket 133 attached to a drive shaft 134. A drive tube 136 is coupled to the left end of the drive shaft 134 and also to the reduction sprocket 116 of the front truck 106. Similarly, a drive tube 137 is coupled to the right end of the shaft 134 and to a reduction sprocket 138 of the rear truck 107. In operation, oil is pumped to the hydraulic motor 126 thereby rotating the sprocket 127 which in turn rotates the drive shaft 134 and the drive tubes 136 and 137. Power from the drive tube 136 is transmitted to the trolley wheel 111 through the flexible chain 119 and power from the drive tube 137 is transmitted to the trolley wheel 113 through a flexible chain 139 in a manner similar to that described with respect to FIGURE 9. Depending on the direction of flow of uid to the motor 126, the trolley crane 37 will move either in the forward direction or the reverse direction.

The vertical position of the pipe hooks 41 and 42 is controlled by a hoist cylinder 141 coupled to a hoist truck 142 by means of a piston rod 143. Flexible chains 74 and 76 are fastened to an anchor plate 144 attached to the crane girders 108 and 109; the chain 74 engages a sprocket 146 in the hoist truck 142 and a sprocket 147 rotating between the frame girders 108 and 109. The chain 76 engages a sprocket 148 in the hoist truck 142, a sprocket 149, a sprocket 151, and connects to the pipe hook 42.

Referring to FIGURE 10, the pipe hoist itself consists of a front and rear folding stabilizer; the rear stabilizer includes the stabilizer arms 98 and 99 and the front stabilizer includes an upper stabilizing arm 152 and a lower stabilizing arm 153. The front stabilizer is pivotally connected to the girders 108 and 109 at a pivot point 156 and the rear stabilizer pivotally connected to the girders at a pivot point 154. Pivotal connections are also provided at the grab pipe 73 to the lower stabilizing arms 99 and 153.

Referring to FIGURE 11, also attached to the grab pipe 73 is a bin locator 157 and a pipe sensor 158. The pipe sensor 158 includes a frame 426 welded to the grab pipe 73. A sliding beam 427 is mounted within the frame 426 and movable between a first position as shown and a second position shown dotted. A pair of tension springs 428 and 429 engage the top of the beam 427 and the frame 426 to bias the frame toward the rst position. The beam `427 moves from its first position to its second position when the hoist exceeds the lower limit of travel into the storage bins. Movement of the beam 427 actuates a limit switch 203. Bolted to the lower end of the beam 427 is a two-bar articulated linkage 432 coupled to a limit switch 321 by means of a bracket 433 and a pushrod 434. A second two-bar articulated linkage 436 is also bolted to the beam 427 above the linkage 432 and coupled to a limit switch 304 by means of a bracket 437 and a pushrod `438.

Referring to FIGURE l2, there is shown an enlarged view of the linkages 432 and 436. The linkage 432 includes a lower bar bolted to the beam 427 and an upper bar pivotally connected to the bracket 433. The upper and lower bars are joined by a pivot shaft 439 on which is mounted a roller 441. The linkage 432 is biased into the position shown by means of a spring 442. Similarly, the linkage 436 includes a lower bar bolted to the beam 427 and an upper bar pivotally connected to the bracket 437; the two bars are joined by a pivot shaft 443. Mounted on the pivot shaft 443 is a roller 444. The linkage 436 is biased in the position shown by means of a spring 446.

As the hoist is lowered either into the storage bins or to the transfer arm 22, a section of drill pipe first engages the linkage 432 thereby causing it to assume a straightened position and actuating the limit switch 321. Continued lowering of the hoist will cause the drill pipe to engage the linkage 436 to actuate the limit switch 304. The operating function or" the limit switches 304 and 321 will be described shortly. 

